MOVIE REVIEW
Bastards of Soul
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Genre: Documentary, Music
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): Paul Levatino
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 Sun Valley Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: BASTARDS OF SOUL shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey of a group of musicians that rose from local fame to the edge of international stardom and delves into the soulful essence of music that binds and heals. This documentary transcends the usual behind-the-music narrative to present a story teeming with perseverance, heartache, and the irreplaceable voice of Chadwick Murray. Under Paul Levatino’s direction, what unfolds is a narrative that feels as close and personal as a jam session in a garage yet as expansive and resonant as a sold-out concert hall.

The documentary masterfully charts the band's ascent from the energetic and gritty streets of East Dallas to a spotlight that promised to shine far beyond through the years and their albums "Spinnin'," "Corners," and "Give it Right Back." With a personal stake in the story, Levatino serves up a narrative cocktail that’s part biography, part music video—a blend that captures the essence of the band’s journey and the seismic gap left by Murray’s untimely departure.

Levatino’s debut behind the camera is a heartfelt tribute to a friend and the timeless tunes that defined a journey fraught with challenges. By intertwining candid interviews, intimate studio moments, and the kinetic energy of live shows, he sketches a portrait of a band that managed to keep the music playing in people's hearts, even when the notes seemed to fall silent. This documentary strikes a chord with its blend of storytelling and cinematic flair, turning the spotlight on a story of triumph and tragedy with equal measure.

The film shines brightest when we watch the band living to their fullest, creating music, and sharing their passion with the world. I would have liked to have seen a deeper dive into personal stories, which could have added more layers to their collective journey. While it encapsulates the band's resilience, there’s a hunger for more detail on the trials that tested their bonds and drove their music.

BASTARDS OF SOUL emerges as an ode to musical camaraderie, the indomitable spirit of creativity, and a frontman whose legacy beats on. Levatino's directorial style celebrates the universal power of music to cross divides, touch hearts, and inspire the relentless pursuit of dreams. It’s a story that resonates widely despite its specific setting and characters, affirming the documentary’s place as a beacon for anyone who’s ever found solace, strength, or joy in a melody.

BASTARDS OF SOUL is more than a musical journey; it showcases how art remains an unyielding force of connection, expression, and transformation despite the most significant losses and challenges. It stands as a testament to the band's legacy, capturing not just their artistic triumphs but the profound impact their music continues to have. This film celebrates the human experience through the lens of music, highlighting the human spirit's enduring capacity to overcome, adapt, and leave a mark that echoes through time. This is one of those experiences where you don’t have to be familiar with the story to connect with it genuinely.

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[photo courtesy of 737 FILMS, PL PRESENTS, EASTWOOD RECORDS]

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